Honda has dabbled in hybrids before with the first generation Insight, the Accord Hybrid, and most recently with the second generation Civic Hybrid. However, neither model has been a runaway sales success like the overachieving Prius from Toyota -- both the original Insight and Accord Hybrid were eventually discontinued.

According to Honda, the Insight will use a 1.3-liter gasoline engine and the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. Honda also says that the Insight will feature fuel economy identical to the current Civic Hybrid which is rated at 40 MPG city and 45 MPG highway. The identical fuel economy numbers may be disappointing to some, but remember that the Insight is expected to retail for less than $19,000 while the Civic Hybrid starts at a loftier $23,550.

Honda expects to sell 200,000 Insights globally each year.

When the Insight finally does arrive in showrooms next spring, it will do battle with the third generation Toyota Prius. Photos of the Prius leaked to the internet in mid-October. Toyota later confirmed that the leaked pictures were indeed of the new Prius.

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Why is everyone so gullible? Aerodynamics? Come on guys its a load of shit! They are just looking to minimise development costs. Same wind tunnel, same unimaginative engineers! You want aerodynamics, where are the flush wheels, cameras instead of mirrors and tear drop shape? All I see is an ugly clone.

It's not just aerodynamics. I've posted in previous discussions the aerodynamics of other vehicles that are close to the Prius but look MUCH better. Hybrid buyers are expecting the "hybrid look". This plays as great a part in design as aerodynamics and packaging.